As The Brexit Deadline Looms, Many Brits Look Into Getting An Irish Passport

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With the fate of EU nationals living in the UK still unknown, and Brits abroad facing a similar situation, many people are left wondering what their next steps should be. For EEA citizens living in the UK, there is the option to apply for EEA PR, but what about those UK citizens who want to retain their access to Europe after the Brexit negotiations come to a close?

For some people, this means researching the possibility of getting an Irish passport, and it isn’t as farfetched as you might think. If you have any Irish in your lineage, you may be eligible for an Irish passport, and you don’t have to give up your British passport to be able to get it. As a dual citizen with the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will be able to live, work and travel freely throughout Europe, regardless of the outcome of the negotiations.

How do I go about getting an Irish passport?

First, you will need to check that you’re eligible. If you were born in Ireland, if your parents were born in Ireland, or if your grandparents were born in Ireland, you may be Irish from birth. This would mean you are eligible for an Irish passport. You can check this article to see if you qualify for an Irish passport.

What if I was adopted?

You can still go about getting an Irish passport if you were adopted by Irish parents. If an Irish citizen living in Ireland adopts a child from outside of Ireland, then the child is entitled to Irish citizenship. Your adoption will need to be observed in Ireland on the Register of Intercountry Adoptions. Once this is registered, you would be entitled to an Irish passport.

Do I have to live in Ireland before getting an Irish passport?

No. You can apply for an Irish passport from outside of Ireland, and you don’t have to commit to living there after you’ve gained your Irish passport, but you would obviously welcome to do so!

How long does it take to get an Irish passport?

As it would be your first passport issued by the state, it will be subject to more checks that a passport renewal. The Irish passport office recommends allowing at least eight weeks, so if you are hoping to travel using your new passport you will need to take this into consideration.

How do I start the process of getting and Irish passport?

If you would like more information about Irish passports or if you’d like to discuss your eligibility, get in touch with our Limerick office.